Sweet Cheeks brings luxury skincare to the Outer Richmond

The outer Richmond has never been known for its luxury services or businesses. But that may be changing with the opening of a new skincare spa called Sweet Cheeks.

The studio is nestled in the back of Elevation Pilates at 3425 Balboa near 37th Avenue. Owner Lindsay Keene has created a relaxing sanctuary that she describes as “beach chic”, dubbing her studio the “Glam Shack” as its simple exterior neatly hides the luxury inside.

Sweet Cheeks offers both facials and waxing services, along with various add-on services. We stopped in last week to get a facial and loved the experience.

Just outside the studio is a trellised deck with Adirondack chairs, a nice place to take in some sunshine and a few cleansing breaths from the nearby lavender bush as you await your treatment. Keene and her studio were both warm and welcoming, and exceptionally relaxing.

Keene opened her studio in the outer Richmond after a friend opened Elevation Pilates. She came up with the “Sweet Cheeks” name because it’s always been one of her favorite terms of endearment.

But she says she also felt that “the outer Richmond needs these kinds of services”. She says many of her clients are teachers, moms and neighbors who find her studio easily accessible and seek it out as a relaxing moment in their day.

Keene has a deep background in the industry, with stints at luxury spas like International Orange and the Four Seasons. She’s also trained in massage and has a degree in Holistic Healing from San Francisco State. It’s the combination of these skills and practices that make her treatments special.

Sweet Cheeks isn’t the churn and burn skincare spa where you’re finished quickly and spend the rest of the time being upsold on products. Keene creates a relaxing experience and uses quality products during her services, some of which you might want to take home just because they feel great.

And yes, our skin really did look better afterwards. Even to the point where we got compliments.

Prices for facials and waxing are also very reasonable – you’ll get the spa experience at Sweet Cheeks but without the usual downtown or resort prices. A 30 minute “Facial to Go” is just $45, the “Signature Facial” lasts 60 minutes and costs $75. Waxing prices range from $10 for a lip wax, to $55 for a Brazilian bikini wax, or $60 for a full leg wax.

Keene also offers facials with special add-ons, like the “Signature Facial + Lush Locks Hair Treatment”, where warm, Moroccan Argan Oil moisturizes your hair while your neck and shoulders are massaged ($95, 75 minutes).

Sweet Cheeks is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12noon until 9pm, Fridays from 10am until 8pm, and on Saturdays from 10am until 4pm. The website also offers convenient online booking.

Special thanks to Lindsay Keene for a great experience!

Sarah B.